THE PROPER WAY TO RECEIVE HOLY COMMUNION

For the reception of Holy Communion, kneeling remains the universal norm of our Latin Rite. However, standing is permitted by the bishops of most places. When one receives standing, one is required to make a specific act of adoration before receiving the Sacred Host or taking the Precious Blood. In the United States, the bishops have mandated a bow of the head as the required act of adoration. A genuflection is discouraged, because of the obvious hazard to other people on line. While waiting for the person in front of you to receive recollect yourself for a moment and bow your head as a gesture of adoration. Step up when it is your turn. Receiving the Sacred Host on the tongue is the normative way of receiving Holy Communion in the Latin Rite. After saying ”Amen” in response to the minister of Holy Communion, the communicant should open the mouth wide and extend the tongue far enough so that the Sacred Host can be placed upon it without danger of falling. Please note that it is important to extend the tongue, not just open the mouth. One has the option of receiving in the hand in some places. Communion in the hand is allowed in the United States by decision of the American Bishops. If one is receiving in the hand the following is normative: upon approaching the minister of the Host extend the hands in the middle of the chest. The left hand is extended, with the right hand under the left in support (left handed persons may wish to place the left hand under the right). In essence, a throne is formed in the sign of an X-cross to receive the Sacred Host. The response of “Amen” is given to the proclamation “The Body of Christ,” and the Host is received. The individual should then step to the side and receive the Host carefully and reverently. It is unseemly to “pop” the Host into the mouth as one walks away. Remember “Who” you are receiving! Please note that it is never acceptable to put out only one hand due to the danger of dropping the host. Those who do not have the easy use of both hands (or whose hands are not perfectly clean for whatever reason) should receive on the tongue.

It is very important that all understand that one does not have the right to receive Holy Communion as one pleases. One may only receive in the manner dictated by Church Law. Only those practicing Catholics who are in the state of grace may receive Holy Communion. Being in the state of grace means not having knowledge of having committed any mortal sins (missing Mass on Sunday through your own fault is a violation of the Third Commandment and a mortal sin!). Those who are not in the state of grace must first be reconciled to God and the Church by means of the Sacrament of Reconciliation (Confession) before presenting themselves for Holy Communion.

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